Gap is bringin' out the big guns for their Fall/Winter 2007-2008 ad campaign, presumably to boost sluggish sales. The Annie Leibovitz-shot campaign consists of twelve black-and-white portraits starring Hollywood celebs like John Mayer, Forest Whitaker, Selma Blair, Sarah Silverman, Lucy Liu, Liev Schreiber and Regina King. We think Selma looks amazing—her spiky short hair, black nail polish and fishnets shout "attitude," while her dreamy eyes, cat-like poise and contemplative chin-in-hand pose whisper "sensitive introvert." Yes, the Budget Babe can wax poetic, but we probably won't buy more clothes at the Gap just because of one cute ad.
On second thought, we might get the sweater (we're a sucker for stripes!).
Actress Selma Blair wears Gap's "deep V" sweater, priced at $44.50.
however, have you seen their shirt dresses? the black one looks good. Budget Babe, what can i pair that with to look dramatic and cute and edgy?
that sweater doesn't look good with fishnets. too dated. don't know what GAP is thinking. they seem to be at sea when it comes to their marketing strategy. the last time they had anything imaginative, it was the Sarah Jessica Parker ads and those clothes (pink/maroon argyle sweaters, etc. - I'm still wearing mine 3 years later) if you want to see an example of good marketing, look at the Clark's stores. this is a chain that heretofore was known for its 'sensible' (in Budget Babe's language, FUGLY) shoes which were boring but extremely well made and comfortable. now they have "privo" (hook the teenagers early), with their ballet slippers and young looks, "indigo" for 20's, 30's and beyond, with very trendy retro styles, all with cushy insides and wearable heels, and a few standards like springers and men's shoes, which my husband swears by (he's been wearing clark's since he was 4! talk about loyalty). that's smart marketing.
As for Gap's ads: They're trying too hard, no? Annie Leibovitz is amazing, don't get me wrong, but it seems like companies use her whenever they're short on ideas. Same for Hollywood A-listers, they're just a poor substitute for creativity and originality. It's all rather boring.
Target has brilliant marketing. Their glossy mailings look more like something you'd get from Bloomingdale's than a big box shop.
Bravo to Clark's for knowing their customers and presumable making quality products--how else would they be in business for so long?